The benefits of starting a CERT include free emergency preparedness training, immediate emergency response services after a disaster, and increased community involvement. As an added bonus, CERT members receive educational materials, CERT equipment (as available), and a certificate of completion.

CERT provides community members with skills such as disaster preparedness, fire safety, basic medical operations, light search and rescue, team organization, and more. Additionally, the Orange County CERT in partnership with Orange County Emergency Services offers regular advanced training opportunities for those who have already completed CERT Basic Training.

The Fall CERT Basic Training will begin on September 10 and will be held at Durham Tech Community College (525 College Park Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278). Course registrations open on August 1, 2019. Register through NC TERMS: Click here for NC TERMS course listing